What is the spectrum of Aviation Careers?

[Rodger Wilco]

I wouldn't judge a 40 year career based on one or two years of probation. Its nothing to worry about unless you plan on getting in trouble (disregard company regs or not show up to work). I enjoy my airline job and wouldn't trade it for any other type of job. I worked at a company that had a citation x (not as a pilot) and I learned their schedule. Most of the month you're on call then you fly the big wigs out on Monday, sit in a hotel all week and then fly them back on Friday. I'm not saying every corporate gig is like that but its not for me.

I'd rather get a lot of flying done in a few days then have time off. With the airlines you will have half or more of the month off once you build a little seniority.

First, remember, don't listen to anything I say.

Second, first year pay sucks, but it's easy to make it better. Incentive programs, good contacts, getting duty rigged, exct. My best month on reserve I flew 71 hours, got paid 130, and an extra $500 for not being late. Last month I flew 55, got paid 109, and only did $300 in flying fast pay. It's not that bad. AAAAAAAAAAAnd I fly a nasty turbo prop!

Maybe you guys can help me out...

Questions on Regional Schedules and QOL,

I am a CFI getting up there in the hours and I am wondering what to do with myself next.

Can anyone tell me more about schedules and what to expect from various airlines? Is it only the Majors that have the 7 days on 7 days off deal or do some regionals work that way too?

I am single and hard working, I do not mind relocating or making • pay as long as I am working towards something. Making 100K is not important to me but I think that being able to pay the bills and have good time off is a realistic goal as a pilot.

Any advice?

 

[Jet]

Can anyone tell me more about schedules and what to expect from various airlines? Is it only the Majors that have the 7 days on 7 days off deal or do some regionals work that way too?

I am single and hard working, I do not mind relocating or making pay as long as I am working towards something. Making 100K is not important to me but I think that being able to pay the bills and have good time off is a realistic goal as a pilot.

Any advice?

I've worked at two different regionals and both are pretty similar. You start out with reserve which is a guaranteed 11 days off a month. A typical month goes 5 days on 3 off, 5 on 3 off, 4 on 2 off, 5 on 3 off (19 days on call, 11 days off). Your days off are typical on the weekday unless you're a senior reservist. Whether you fly or not can vary significantly between airline, base and staffing levels. I flew everyday on reserve and broke guarantee when I was at eagle but I had friends at different bases that rarely flew. Reserve is actually not bad at all if you live in base.

Once you hold a line you will have between 12 and 18 days off a month with the average being about 15 days off. The 18 days off will obviously be a very senior schedule (not all regionals have schedules that nice) which will consist of one 3 day trip per week with 4 days off. Most people will have a 4 day trip per week with 3 days off. The senior pilots will have their days off on the weekends but it is not a 50/50 split since there is more flying done on the weekends.

It's a good job if you live in base but it's not for everybody. The job definitely has its up and downs. Since you're already a CFI and so close, I'd say give it a shot and see how you like it, you can always quit if you don't and do something else, otherwise you will always wonder.